What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms
As fall approaches, the B.C. government is already looking ahead as preparations are made for respiratory illness season. A New subvariant of the Omicron Strain of COVID-19 called EG-5 has been circulating since June/2023.
BCCDC expects that the new updated vaccine will be available hopefully in September or October, 2023 & should provide adequate protection against what we are seeing in circulation right now.
According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, it is recommended people get another COVID-19 booster shot if it’s been six months since their last one. Fall booster doses will be offered by OKIB Health, Public Health Vernon & some pharmacies for your convenience.
In the meantime, we need to fall back on our safety precautions, such as hand sanitizing, staying away from others if we are sick, and take extra considerations around people who are immunocompromised, and also being mindful of our social distancing.
Although the mask mandate remains lifted, there may be times where mask-wearing is appropriate. Please see the information below from BCCDC on safety precaution reminders and “what to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms”.
Any questions, feel free to reach out to the OKIB Health Centre & speak to Community Health Nurse Chelan, or call 811 to speak to a nurse outside of business hours.
Please call 911 if you
- Have difficulty breathing
- Have chest pain
- Feel very ill
- Feel confused
- Cannot drink anything
